The Chicago Bears are expecting big things from third-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., and he is eager to deliver.
Dexter has drawn praise from his Bears teammates for years, from those no longer with the team, like Justin Jones, to current running mates like Grady Jarrett. Their message has been consistent: Dexter has all of the talent. The former second-round pick spoke candidly about what their remarks mean to him.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Sends Clear Message on Bears Teammates’ Comments
Bears Getting Focused Gervon Dexter Sr. in Year 3
“It’s time to put it together. That’s what it mean to me,” Dexter told Clocker Sports on Wednesday. “I appreciate those guys helping me get to a point where I want to be. But, yeah, it’s time to put it together now.”
The Bears selected Dexter 53rd overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he does not turn 24 until October. He posted a career-best 5.0 sacks in 2024.
Dexter figures to be in a different role this season, but that has not stopped his momentum or drive.
“Oh, man. It’s been awesome, man. I think he has a really, really high ceiling. Run game, being effective in the pass rush, and growing as a leader, too,” Jarrett told Clocker Sports in May. “You can see him, man. You can see the work he putting in [in] the weight room, away from the facility. He here early. He’s spending extra time with Coach.
“I think in Year 3 is such a critical time. It’s where you could take that big leap. You played some football, you get more comfortable, and now you can know how to apply things and really take that big step, man.”
Jarrett said he is “excited” to see what Dexter does this season and believes their styles complement each other well.
The former Atlanta Falcon is picking up where Jones left off on Dexter.
“I feel like G, I feel like he’s gonna be really, really, really good player one day. And I mean like really good,” Jones told Clocker Sports in October 2023. “I feel like, career-wise I feel like he’s gonna have a really really good career, and I feel like he’s taking those strides to be an elite player at some point.”
Then, Dexter praised Jones for what he had shown him. Now, he is also eager to work with Jarrett, citing the energy among the many things the veteran brings to the Bears’ DT group.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Bulked Back Up
Given the change in scheme to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, Dexter’s responsibilities will be different in 2025 than in years past with the Bears.
He lauded the multiple fronts Allen is preparing them to present opposing offenses with. That versatility has been a common theme among the defensive players who have spoken with the media during the offseason program.
Dexter added “lean mass” this offseason, too, marking a slight pivot from the Bears youngster’s 2024 slimming.
He could rotate behind and alongside Jarrett and projected fellow starter Andrew Billings this coming season, so the additional bulk could help him withstand the workload.